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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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March 12, 2015 · Cessna 170A · N170TW

Palmetto, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 12, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Palmetto, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 170A (1951)
Tail Number
N170TW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA008

The pilot and passenger were on a cross-country flight when the pilot noticed that the battery was no longer charging. After landing, the pilot decided to save battery power for the return flight by hand propping the airplane. He briefed the passenger for the hand start procedure, but did not realize the throttle was in the full throttle position. Upon starting, the engine went to full power. The pilot was unable to reenter the airplane before it made two tight left circles on the ramp and collided with an open hangar and the airplane inside. Federal Aviation Administration Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge FAA-8037-3a contains a section titled, "Hand Propping", which indicates to never allow a person unfamiliar with the controls to occupy the pilot's seat when hand propping. The section also indicates that an additional precaution includes placement of chalks in front of the main tires or if not feasible, the airplane's tail may be securely tied.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Airport structure-Contributed to outcome

Full Narrative

The pilot and passenger were on a cross-country flight when the pilot noticed that the battery was no longer charging. After landing, the pilot decided to save battery power for the return flight by hand propping the airplane. He briefed the passenger for the hand start procedure, but did not realize the throttle was in the full throttle position. Upon starting, the engine went to full power. The pilot was unable to reenter the airplane before it made two tight left circles on the ramp and collided with an open hangar and the airplane inside. Federal Aviation Administration Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge FAA-8037-3a contains a section titled, "Hand Propping", which indicates to never allow a person unfamiliar with the controls to occupy the pilot's seat when hand propping. The section also indicates that an additional precaution includes placement of chalks in front of the main tires or if not feasible, the airplane's tail may be securely tied.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 EDT
Nearest AirportAirport Manatee (5009nm E)
Runway07
Runway Length3120 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170A
Tail NumberN170TW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · C145 SERIES · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 62 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data